Sharjah reminds owners: farmland cannot be rented out, even for farming
Leasing agricultural land in Sharjah is not allowed for any purpose, and private rental contracts for it have no legal standing, the official in charge of farm-area violations said.
Sharjah has restated that agricultural land in the emirate cannot be leased, whether for farming or for anything else. Khalid bin Falah Al Suwaidi, chairman of the committee that deals with violations in agricultural areas, said on Sharjah Radio and Television's Direct Line programme that leasing itself is against the law.
He said rental agreements for agricultural land have no legal recognition, including private contracts between the two sides, and that both the landowner and the tenant can be held to account. The person using the land is considered in breach.
Enforcement starts with a warning and a notice of violation to the owner, Gulf News reported. If the owner does not put things right, the authorities can cut off utilities or refer the case to the government to take the land back.
If you rent or let out a farm plot in Sharjah, for a weekend retreat, storage, animals or crops, the arrangement is not recognised. Owners who have tenants on agricultural land should end the arrangement before a violation notice arrives.